Halloween is here marking the end of a beautiful harvest season in Meaford, and signaling that we can expect snow on the ground any day now. As disappointing as it is to have another favourite Fall event affected by the pandemic, it is such fun to see front yards transformed into scary graveyards, and spooky entrances daring little costumed visitors to approach for their treats.

We are now going on 8 months of feeling the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic in our community, and thankfully, we continue to see very low case numbers locally. Our collective efforts to follow the 3 W’s – washing hands, wearing masks, and watching your distance – has kept our community safe. After so long these measures are now second-nature, and I know we will keep them going through the winter months. Paying attention to the directives of the Medical Officer of Health, including now getting your flu shot, is the best thing we can do to keep each other safe.

I have so appreciated the comments we’ve heard from those who connect with this regular message, so thank you for taking the time to join us as we reflect on the week just passed. We seem to have settled in to a new normal now, so perhaps it is time for me to transition these messages to once every two weeks. As we make every effort to stay in touch, and stay relevant, you may also see some new faces bringing in different topics to help keep you informed.

Folks in our community have also been checking in with the County, the Health Unit, and the provincial and federal governments to ask questions, and to get information straight from the sources you know you can trust, and I thank you for that. Some comfort can be found in being well informed and during these uncertain times, that has certainly helped to rally us all together for the common good of the whole Municipality.

I wish you and your families a safe and spooky Halloween weekend, however you plan to celebrate this year.

Stay well, everyone.

Mayor Barb Clumpus
Municipality of Meaford